‘Focus More on Your Strengths Rather Than on What Divides You,’ DSA Charges Newly Inaugurated Students’ Union Leaders

Oritsejolomisan Edun 

The Dean during his welcome address 

The newly elected executives of the 2025/26 Great Ife Students’ Union were inaugurated on Friday, 11th September 2026, at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with the Dean of the Division of Student Affairs, Professor J.O. Odedire, charging the new leaders to focus on their strengths and what unites them.

The inauguration began with the national anthem, followed by the Great Ife Students’ Anthem. Following these, the Dean of the Division of Student Affairs, Professor J.O. Odedire gave the welcome address.

He recognised the presence of principal officers and distinguished guests at Great Ife, including the Vice Chancellor, Professor A.S. Bamire; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor E.O. Akinfala; the Provost of the Postgraduate College, Professor A.O. Ilesanmi; the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Bernice Adegbehingbe; and the Chairman of the Security Committee of the University, among others.

As he began his speech proper, he said, ‘I count it as a rare privilege to stand before you today to welcome you to yet another edition of the inauguration of the new set of students that is saddled with the responsibility of representing more than 40,000 populations of our country's dynamic and forward-thinking students of Great Ife.’

Professor Odedire congratulated the elected leaders of the Central Executive Council, the Hall Executive Councils, and the officials and members of the Student Representative Council. He mentioned that their days of effort were rewarded by the overwhelming support of their electorates, which eventually led to their emergence as winners.

He particularly acknowledged the cooperation and commitment of the leadership of the Student Representative Council, especially the Speaker of the just-concluded administration, Ademola Awe, who displayed uncommon maturity in ensuring the cohesion and focus of the recently concluded parliamentary session and making sure the House remained intact.

Furthermore, he expressed hope in the incoming administration’s ability to sustain the achievements of the past leadership. Charging the elected union leaders, he said, ‘You must learn to embrace what reality has in front of you. Focus more on your strengths rather than on what divides you. Learn from the mistakes of your predecessors and study the strategies adopted whenever they have succeeded.’

The Dean further commended the selflessness and sacrifice of his colleagues who devoted many hours of their precious time to helping ensure the success of the election through monitoring and observation across different polling centres.

As he closed his address, he charged the new leaders, saying, ‘Serve with integrity and responsibility. It is a new phase of life's examination for you.’

The VC’s Opening Remarks

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor A.S. Bamire, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor E.O. Akinfala, gave the opening remarks, first recognising as many principal officers of the University as he could.

He strongly advised the students to operate within the rules of the school authorities and the Great Ife Constitution. He also advised them not to neglect their primary assignment while serving the students. Finally, he commended the Dean of Student Affairs for the great work he has been doing in administering student affairs. To the new leaders, he advised them to seek advice whenever necessary.

Swearing-in of the Executives

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor A.S. Bamire, ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), called out the Central Executive Council (CEC), the Hall Executive Councils (HEC) in Akintola, Adekunle Fajuyi, Moremi, Alumni, and other Halls of Residence, as well as the Student Representative Council, one category at a time, recognising them as leaders in their respective spheres.

The newly inaugurated CEC members include:

• Oladosu Miracle – Director of Sports
• Adeola Afolabi – Director of Socials
• Akande Faith – Assistant Secretary General
• Olaniyan Olawale – Financial Secretary
• Afolabi Opeyemi – Welfare Director
• Oluwagbami Isaac – Public Relations Officer
• Arogundade Abdul Roheem – Secretary General
• Oluwagbemiro Elizabeth – Vice President
• Kujembola Sunday – President

The Central Executive Council taking their oath 

The elected Speaker of the Student Representative Council, Abdullah Olamilekan Abdulsallam, took his oath of office as led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor A.S. Bamire, solemnly swearing to be faithful, trustworthy and honest, and to defend the sacrosanct Constitution of the Student Union of Obafemi Awolowo University.

The Speaker proceeded to swear in the Central Executive Council, Hall Executive Councils, and members of the Student Representative Council. However, he ordered all Union members present in the hall to remove their caps before the oath-taking.

Presidential Speech

The newly inaugurated President, Kujembola Sunday, giving his speech 

The newly inaugurated President, Kujembola Sunday Olalekan, began his speech by saying, ‘This moment is more important than freedom. It is the beginning of responsibility. It is a journey that belongs not only to me, but to every student who calls this great institution home.’

He talked about his journey into OAU, stating that it did not start smoothly. His journey into leadership started in Angola Hall, where he served as Chairman. While serving there, he learnt responsibility, service, and leadership.

‘I learnt that leadership is not about occupying a big chair. It is about seeing a problem and refusing to walk past it.’

He added, ‘I cannot promise that every problem will disappear overnight. I cannot promise that every decision will be perfect. But I can promise you this: We will show up, we will listen, we will work.’

He urged the students to remember the significance of the day and the responsibility that came with leadership. He reflected on his journey, stating that he began as a young student who believed in making the most out of every mistake.

More Recognition

Other dignitaries and stakeholders recognised at the event included Mr Deji Kujembola, father of the newly inaugurated President; Rev. P.M. Oladosu, the father of the Sports Director; the Dean of the Faculty of Computing; members of the outgoing Student Executive Council; NANS comrades; the outgoing principal officers of the Student Representative Council; and the Chief Security Officer of the Great Ife Students’ Union.

The NANS Southwest Coordinator, Comrade Billion; the Students’ Union Government Presidents of the University of Osun (UNIOSUN) and Ede; and representatives of NANS Zone D were also present at the event.

Closing Remarks

In his closing remarks, the Vice Dean of the Division of Student Affairs urged the newly inaugurated leaders to heed the words of advice given to them and engage constructively with the Division, assuring them that its doors would always remain open to them.

He particularly commended the new Students’ Union President, Kujembola Sunday Olalekan, whom he described as a good leader from his days as Chairman of Angola Hall. He also acknowledged stakeholders from the Department of Civil Engineering for their support.

The Vice Dean explained that the presentation of awards to the former Students’ Union leaders, which was initially expected to form part of the inauguration, could not be held due to some circumstances. He, however, announced that a more elaborate ceremony for the presentation of the awards would be organised subsequently.

The inauguration concluded with the Great Ife Anthem and the National Anthem, after which the new leaders proceeded to the Student Union Building for the lifting of the Nigerian and Great Ife Students’ Union flags.